COVID-19 and emergency department volume: The patients return but have different characteristics.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has altered behaviors in the general population, as well as processes in the healthcare industry. Patients may be afraid to pursue care in the emergency department (ED) due to perceived risk of infection. The objective of this study was to determine the impact of COVID-19 on ED metrics.

Methods

At one metropolitan trauma center ED, we conducted a review of all visits from February to May in 2020 and compared findings with the same months from 2019.

Results

A total of 34,213 ED visits occurred during the study periods (18,471 in 2019 and 15,742 in 2020), with a decline in patient visits occurring after state emergency declarations. In 2020, patients were less likely to be female and more likely to arrive by ambulance. Diagnoses in the m

SUBMITTER: Heppner Z 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7481071 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature